LibSphere: Accessibility in Library

AR | Accessibility | Iterating

In the project, we designed an AR system with voice assistance to help individuals with mobility challenges search for desired books, navigate through the accessible path, browse and preview books, and ask for librarians’ assistance.

Figma

Photoshop

Illustrator

Clipchamp

Timeline

3/2024 - 5/2024

7 weeks

My Role

Tool

Site Research

Intreview

Literature Review

Affinity Diagram

Storyboarding

Whiteboard Challenge

Journey Map

User Researcher

UX Designer

Collaborate with

3 researchers

and designers

Method

Summary

Individuals with mobility challenges have difficulties finding desired books, navigating through accessible paths, and browsing books in public libraries.

Problem

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We conducted site research and user interviews to identify the problems. Through three rounds of iterations, we used affinity diagrams and whiteboard challenges to define and refine the solution.

Research and Iteration

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A system employs AR and voice assistance to help individuals with mobility challenges search for desired books, navigate through the accessible path, browse and preview books, and ask for librarians’ assistance.

Solution

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Inspiration

People with disabilities often face challenges in public spaces. We observed individuals with motion impairments struggling to reach books on higher shelves and navigate accessible pathways in libraries.

Therefore, this project seeks to enhance public library accessibility through spatial computing. Spatial computing bridges the gap between physical and digital environments by recognizing three-dimensional spaces and enabling computers to interact within them. We believe that, when combined with robotics, this technology can significantly transform libraries, making them more accessible and navigable for people with disabilities.

Our project began with a deep dive into understanding the barriers faced by individuals with three common types of disabilities: hearing, visual, and motion impairments, specifically in the context of a public library.

Research Process

Site Observation

To identify the issues disabled people are facing in public libraries, we visited two public libraries in Pittsburgh and a public library for the visually impaired.

After visiting public libraries, we found that people with motor impairments had difficulty navigating the library and retrieving items from higher shelves with the current setting. Similarly, people with visual impairments may struggle to navigate, access information in standard text sizes, and locate materials that are accessible to them.

User Interview

In our interviews with a librarian and two library users with disabilities—one with motor impairments and one with visual impairments—several accessibility challenges were highlighted. The librarian acknowledged the library's efforts to be inclusive but noted that the current layout poses difficulties for patrons with motor impairments, particularly in reaching higher shelves and navigating through tight spaces. The user with motor impairments echoed this, expressing frustration over the need to constantly ask for assistance when retrieving books placed out of reach. Similarly, the user with visual impairments discussed difficulties in navigating the library, locating accessible materials, and the lack of adequate resources in larger print or Braille. These insights underline the need for improved design and resources to better accommodate patrons with varying accessibility needs.

Ideation

After getting clear insights into user needs, we began brainstorming wildly about the user group, problem, and solution. We first categorized all ideas into different user groups based on types of capability loss and then explored how to integrate these through the application of AR. 

After categorizing the ideas, we visualize them further by creating idea pitches using storyboards. After visualization, we ranked storyboard ideas based on innovation in new technology and user acceptance of engagement.

Concept Validation

User Engagement: Our system addresses pain points by helping users independently navigate libraries and access information that is physically and perceptually out of reach.

Market Value: Our product innovates beyond traditional assistive devices by enhancing user experience and promoting greater inclusion and accessibility in public spaces.

Innovative Values: There’s rising adoption of AR and robotics in sectors like education, highlighting a gap in tailored library services for people with disabilities, which we effectively address.

Concept Refinement

To narrow down our scope, we decided to conduct a one-hour group whiteboard challenge to refine our problem statement, features, and project scope. 

Through this one-hour whiteboard challenge, we refined our concepts into more concrete ideas: 

ONE User Group: Individuals in wheelchairs 

TWO Target Problems: Inaccessible paths & Difficulty reaching books

THREE Main Features: Navigate, Browse, Preview

Technology Feasibility

​​​​​​​After deciding on the user group, target problems, and main features, we research the technological feasibility of designing the products. 

In addition to spatial computing, we also consider using conversational agents to enhance the user experience, especially for those unfamiliar with spatial computing. We believe it would be beneficial to incorporate conversational agents, providing users with two options for navigating the interfaces: they can use either voice inputs or controllers to navigate through our products.

User Flow

After researching the technology feasibility and deciding on the hardware we using, we map out the user flow of the product. Then, we demonstrate the user experience of the product using a prototype video.

Product Demonstration

Feature 1 - Accessible Path Finding

After the user puts on the AR glasses, the voice assistant will prompt the user to set their destination by audio inputting the book genre or the book name the user wants to explore. 

Feature 2 - Navigating

If the book genre or the specific book the user wants to explore is unavailable, the system will inform the user, and prompt the user to set a new destination. 

Feature 3 - Browsing and Preview

After arriving at the destination, the user can browse the books on the shelf. All books on the shelf will also appear in the AR book lists. The user can view the covers of any book on the AR book list, including books on higher shelves that they can't reach. If a book catches the user's interest, they can preview it by selecting it on the shelf or from the book list. They can turn the pages of the book.

Feature 4 - Wishlist and Order

If the user is interested in the book, they can save the book to their wish list or order it immediately. After ordering the book, a librarian receives the notification and comes to assist you.